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FR Can Cats and Dogs Get Sunburn?
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By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - Aug 14, 2019
Unlike humans, cats and dogs rarely lie in the blazing sun for hours – and the skin of our four-legged friends is usually protected from harmful UV radiation by a coat. Nevertheless, sun-related skin damage occasionally occurs, especially in sensitive animals.
Animals Particularly Susceptible to Sunburn
Dogs and cats with short, white coats are particularly susceptible to sunburn. These include, for example, breeds such as Whippet, Dalmatian, or Beagle, as well as white and multi-colored cats with white ears and noses. Hairless dogs and cats completely lack the protective hair layer, making them naturally very sensitive to sunlight.
Skin Areas Particularly Susceptible to Sunburn
It is primarily unpigmented areas not protected by coat, such as the bridge of the nose and ear edges, that are particularly vulnerable. However, the belly and flanks can also be affected if animals sunbathe lying on their side or back for extended periods. Fresh surgical scars or skin areas that are hairless or inflamed due to other conditions can also react very sensitively to the sun.
What Skin Damage Does the Sun Cause?
As with humans, sunburn appears as "immediate damage," manifesting in mild cases as redness and scaling in unpigmented skin areas. In more severe cases, crusts with hair loss and scarring can occur. Long-term damage can include thickening or necrosis of affected skin areas. Repeated sunburn can also promote the development of malignant skin cancer in dogs and cats.
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White cats are particularly sensitive to the sun. © Vetmeduni Vienna |
A sparsely haired bridge of the nose with light skin © Vetmeduni Vienna |
Treatment of Sunburn
If sunburn is recognized as red, warm, or flaky skin, cooling compresses or soothing ointments can alleviate the symptoms. If pronounced skin changes are present, treatment should definitely be carried out by a veterinarian.
Sun Protection for Dogs and Cats
It is important that dogs and cats are also protected from the harmful effects of the sun, especially if sunburn has already occurred. Since the radiation is particularly strong around midday, animals should be kept indoors or at least in the shade on sunny days between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The vulnerable skin areas of sensitive dogs and cats should also be covered with a waterproof sunscreen cream with a high sun protection factor. Suitable options include a sun protection balm for animals or products for children or adults with sensitive skin.
Sources:
Haut und Haarkleid beim Hund: pflegerische und kosmetische Aspekte / hrsg. Von Stefanie Peters. Bearb. Von M. Kieztmann, Stuttgart: Enke 1997; ISBN 2-432-29411-5
Sunburn in Pets – White-haired dogs and cats particularly at risk. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/de/infoservice/presseinformationen/presseinfo2014/sonne-haut/)
Useful information at a glance
Can cats and dogs actually get sunburn?
Yes, cats and dogs can get sunburn, especially if they have short, white coat or unpigmented skin areas. Hairless dogs and cats are also particularly at risk.
Which skin areas are particularly susceptible to sunburn in cats and dogs?
Particularly susceptible are unpigmented areas not protected by coat, such as the bridge of the nose and the edges of the ears. The belly and flanks can also be affected if the animals lie in the sun for extended periods.
What symptoms indicate sunburn in my pet?
Sunburn manifests as redness and scaling in unpigmented skin areas. In more severe cases, crusts with hair loss and scarring may occur.
How can I treat sunburn in my pet?
For sunburn, cooling compresses or soothing ointments can help alleviate symptoms. In cases of pronounced skin changes, a veterinarian should definitely be consulted.
How can I protect my pet from sunburn?
Keep your pet indoors or in the shade on sunny days between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Use a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF for vulnerable skin areas. Products for children or adults with sensitive skin are also suitable.
